Tṛtīya-prakaraṇam (Āsana) · Verse 4

सीवन्यास्त्वात्मनः पार्श्वे गुल्फौ निक्षिप्य पादयोः । सव्ये दक्षिणगुल्फं तु दक्षिणे दक्षिणेतरम् ॥

sīvanyāstvātmanaḥ pārśve gulphau nikṣipya pādayoḥ | savye dakṣiṇagulphaṃ tu dakṣiṇe dakṣiṇetaram ||

The detailed articulation of the svastikāsana configuration – “Placing the ankles at the sides of the perineum, the right ankle on the left side, and the left on the right side” – demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of nāḍī and subtle energetic flow. The positioning of the ankles, specifically “at the sides of the perineum,” indicates an intentional engagement with the mūrdhonāḍī, the downward-flowing nāḍī associated with grounding and stability. The alternating placement of the ankles – “right on the left, and left on the right” – is not merely a technical instruction, but a deliberate manipulation of prāṇa to balance the flow within the subtle body. This precise alignment is designed to harmonize the opposing currents of prāṇa and apāna, contributing to the overall purification and stabilization of the ātman. Such careful attention to the anatomical and energetic dimensions of āsana reflects the holistic perspective inherent in the Yājñavalkya’s teachings.